Our Story

In 1998, a decision was made by Emmaus Free Lutheran Church in Bloomington, MN, to plant a new church. Their vision was to plant a church in an area experiencing population growth and in need of a Bible-believing, Christ-centered church.

Over the next few years, God began gathering a group of people together for the specific purpose of genuinely seeking His wisdom, guidance, and direction for this new church. After much prayer and counsel from several sources, we sensed God was leading us to the city of St. Michael. We officially launched our ministry on September 15, 2002, holding a worship service at St. Michael/Albertville Middle School East.

Since then, we have seen Jesus continue to lead this congregation to bless the community and the world with the truth, grace, and love of Christ. With the Lord releasing founding Pastor Bob Halvorson from his call to Living Hope in 2014, the congregation sought God’s guidance for a new shepherd and was led to Pastor Brian Ricke.

During 2015, the Lord was faithful to lead the congregation in acquiring the historic St. John’s Episcopal Church outside of Rogers, MN. The process was filled with countless answers to prayer and many open doors. Beginning in September 2015, Living Hope began worship services at our new home on Territorial Road.